Wiltshire Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Strategy 2023 to 2028
Local and national context
The impact of Technology Enabled Care (TEC) on our residents and communities, the economy, and people who provide care; a summary of our local population and how we think it will change over the coming years.
What is Technology Enabled Care
Technology Enabled Care (TEC), also known as telecare or assistive technology, is the use of technology to support and enhance health and social care outcomes. This technology includes devices, systems and software that enables people to live more independently and supports their wellbeing.
The appetite for digital technology in society has never been greater. Most people use a smart phone on a daily basis and over 20 million adults' own smart speakers in their homes in the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted opportunities for using digital solutions as part of health, social care, and housing provision.
Wiltshire Council has traditionally invested in the more reactive TEC provision (for example: alarms, pendants and associated peripherals to support emergency response), but there are significant opportunities to develop a more proactive TEC offer and embed a Technology First culture at every point of contact within Wiltshire.
Examples of technology currently commissioned in Wiltshire and/or the rest of the UK include:
- independent living: TEC in Wiltshire can help people maintain their independence and live in their own homes for longer. TEC provides support with daily activities, such as medication management, reminders for appointments and tasks, and assistive devices for mobility and communication
- remote Monitoring and Support: TEC also allows providers to monitor remotely the wellbeing of customers. This includes sensors that are placed in the home to detect falls, changes in movement patterns, or emergencies. These can be worn by the person or fixed in the home. Data is used to provide timely interventions and support, including TEC response visits, which reduces the need for emergency or crisis care
- care coordination and communication: TEC facilitates effective communication and coordination between professionals, people receiving care, and their families or caregivers. Digital platforms, mobile applications, and online portals are used to share information, update care plans, and ensure consistent communication
- safety and security: Smart home systems, wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies help detect emergencies, ensure proper medication management, and provide alerts in case of potential risks or dangers.
- data and analytics: TEC can generate data that can be analysed to identify trends, patterns, and potential areas for improvement within Wiltshire, supporting evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and the development of even more personalised care planning.
Local profile
The 2021 Census showed that Wiltshire's population has grown by 8.4% since the previous Census in 2011 - a higher rate of increase than the national average (6.6%).
Wiltshire's population is also ageing: 21.8% of people are aged 65 and over (compared to 18.4% in England), with 3% aged 85 and over. Wiltshire was one of only three local authorities in the South West whose 65 and over population grew by more than 30% between 2011 and 2021.
The tables below show how the age distribution in Wiltshire has changed since the turn of the century. Since 2001, the median age has increased from 39 to 44, and the percentage of the population who are aged 65 and over has increased from 16.45% to 21.72%. Over 40,000 more people aged 65 and over live in Wiltshire today than did in 2001.
Age range | Number of population | Percentage of population |
---|---|---|
65 to 74 years old | 37,026 | 8.55 |
75 to 84 years old | 25,176 | 5.81 |
Over 85 years old | 9,037 | 2.09 |
Total over 65 years old | 71,239 | 16.45 |
The total population for the 2001 census was recorded at 432,973. The median age was 39 years old.
Age range | Number of population | Percentage of population |
---|---|---|
65 to 74 years old | 45,070 | 9.57 |
75 to 84 years old | 28,456 | 6.04 |
Over 85 years old | 11,962 | 2.54 |
Total over 65 years old | 85,488 | 18.15 |
The total population for the 2001 census was recorded at 470,981. The median age was 42 years old.
Age range | Number of population | Percentage of population |
---|---|---|
65 to 74 years old | 58,703 | 11.43 |
75 to 84 years old | 37,680 | 7.34 |
Over 85 years old | 15,146 | 2.95 |
Total over 65 years old | 111,529 | 21.72 |
The total population for the 2001 census was recorded at 513,411. The median age was 44 years old.
Wiltshire's Joint Strategic Needs Assessment forecasts that the population of those over 85 years old will almost double between now and 2040.
People are generally living longer and healthier lives than ever before. However, our Joint Strategic Needs Assessment shows that these gains are not enjoyed equally across the population. For example, there is still a shocking gap between life expectancy for adults with long-term mental illness and/or learning disabilities and life expectancy of the general population.
Alignment with business plans, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW), and other strategies
This strategy aligns with and supports implementation of national and local priorities:
- Care Act 2014
- NHS Commitment to Carers 2014
- National Carers Action Plan 2018
- NHS Long Term Plan 2019
- People at the Heart of Care: Adult Social Care Reform White Paper 2021
- Health & Social Care Integration White Paper 2022
- Wiltshire Council Business Plan 2022 to 2032
- Wiltshire Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy
- Wiltshire Independent Living Strategy 2022
- Wiltshire Autism Strategy 2022
- Wiltshire Carers Strategy
- Wiltshire Dementia Strategy
The ADASS report, Time to act to save social care in England (adass.org.uk) (opens new window) identifies the need to harness the potential of digital technology:
We want to move from a system where digital technology is an add-on and digital innovation processes too often exclude people who draw on care and support, to one in which appropriate and affordable digital tools enhance the experience of providing and drawing on care and support. We want to ensure that there is appropriate and affordable technology to support the delivery of care and support systems, and this supports integrated working
Scope of the strategy
This strategy will support people and their carers irrespective of age. The strategy focuses on people who live or are registered with a GP in Wiltshire (excluding Swindon). We recognise the need to work together to develop a seamless response, as people need joined-up support to enable them to live a good quality of life, we will work in partnership across health, social care, the voluntary and community sector.